Staying warm tips

[woodman]

Bring lots of propane, and maybe have two heaters going at the same time. You best be prepared for trouble, because mother nature has her way when it is this cold. I always have extra propane and heaters packed with in case. Good luck and be safe!

[Shawnny B]

I agree have an extra heater or two just incase, Dress in layers of course, have plenty of liquids, make sure to pack around the edges of your house to seal it up too! and have an extra set of gloves somewhere just in case they get wet ! Good luck HOpe the fishing dont stop!

Shawny B

[Durango]

I fish out of a fishtrap. I plan to be out on the ice this weekend. Just wondering if anyone had any good tips to staying warm in this cold weather.

[Ishmel]

Two other important things to consider.... Don't drink alcohol, it slows down your system and will make you more likely to freeze your extremities, and it impairs your judgement, which you will need all of when your out in these temps. Also, don't smoke! Smoking restricts your blood flow and can make your hands and feet freeze faster.

[abens1078]

Some of this will be obvious I guess.

Don't touch any water unless you absolutely have to.

try to avoid touching metal

do a little stretching every so often to keep good circulation going.

Have a good meal before you go and munch on something high in carbs but not necessarily sugar. Sugar gives a quick boost but can actually cause a withdrawal when the 'quick'energy is burned off.

If you drink alcohol be very careful because you may feel warm but you could be giving yourself frost bite and won't know until you thaw out in the morning.

Buy some of the hand warmers for your gloves.....cheap heat for a dollar. I've also heard of guys putting these on top of their hands just below the wrist. The reasoning is that more blood vessels are closer to the top and warming the blood going to your fingers will work better than just warming your fingers(I'm no Dr. but it sounded like good reasoning when I read it).

Catch some fish, it will improve your mental health and help keep your mind off of the cold,

Finally, if your cold go home or sit in your truck, there is no need to prove anything.....be smart and you'll be around to fish when the weather is a little better

[MasterGophHunter]

Don't forget to make sure you have a little air flow and venting in your house. The CO with two heaters going could be a little dangerous. Having some air flow and maybe a little cooler in there is better than dying from CO poisoning. Be safe and good luck!

-MGH-

[lars0926]

I'll be out there too. In fact, we've got a little informal tourney down at Marion tomorrow from 8-12. I don't see many guys do it, but I always do . . . Bring a thermos full of hot cocoa. I'd take that over a second heater any time.

[Northlander]

Layers, make sure all your heaters, Lanterns etc are in working order. Stay away from alcohol and caffiene products. make sure you have had a good meal before going out, keep your head covered, good boats and stay out of the wind as much as possible. As stated make sure if you run 2 heaters or a heater and lantern that you have good ventilation! Decaf coffee or Cocoa to warm you iside out and some high protien foods such as jerky. As stated stay as dry as possible. Water and wind dont mix well.

Be smart and be safe.

Oh and make sure you have a partner and someone knows where your going and when to expect you back! Cell phone in good working order is a must.

[Captain B.R.K]

Northlander----CELL PHONE......My granddaddy didn't have one of those way back when - when he went out icefishing in these temperatures

Some of the things I encorporate when on go on my annual icefishing trip to Canada are used right here in my backyard.

Use layers with clothing yourself. No need to dress like the abomey snowman and sweat yourself to death getting everything ready. I recommend jackets, long underwear with zippers so if you do get hot- zip down to cool yourself off.

Keep your hands dry at all times if possible. Even after catching a fish- bring a rag to wipe your hand.

To keep my hands warm, I use those 5-7++ hour heat packets that you can buy at Walmart-Gander Mt, your local shops or even the local gas station. Put one in each pocket and that always seems to warm up the hands

With a house----get your back into the wind and turn that heater on the highest setting.

I'll be out and I'll use all what I just recommend. If I have to, I'll take a jacket off in the house so I don't die of heat!! GOOD LUCK.

[Northlander]

Captain BRK I know what ya mean. My grandpops used to walk up hill to and from the lake. Used to use a spud to cut his holes and always used a bobber. Well a cork. He also used to spit tobacco on all his baits. Swore the fish were Copenhagon lovers. Never used a heater cause his good friend Jack D. kept him warm. He didnt have a cell phone of course but I remember one time he went threw the ice in water up to his chest. Dang near lost him that night. I bet he wished he had a cell so someone in a nice warm 4 by 4 could have picked him up. Im sure that 5 mile walk home up hill was a bear! LOL.

[Ray Esboldt]

If you use a heater that takes one pound tanks, keep a spare in your jacket. Propane in small quantities renders itself useless at a certain mo-diggin' cold temperature (I have no idea what that temp is). Plus, keeping the tank warm makes it screw into the heater quite a bit easier when it's colder than a brass bra.

[Ed Carlson]

A trick passed on to me by a gall pall who fish's the PWT is ThermaCare wraps.

These wraps can be loosely wrapped around your wrist so they heat the blood pumping in and out of your hands. It works great!

I have a buddy who's hands get totally worthless in the cold due to poor circulation and he tried this deal last season. Before you know it I see him tieing up knots in the cold with no gloves on, and not cussing about it, so it worked great for him too.

The ThermaCare wraps can be found in drug stores. I think I picked up my last box at Wall Mart?

[ScottND]

I never leave home without them, especially in my Otter. And that is a good ($15 or more) pair of socks, outside of a lighter pair, in a good pair of boots. I buy my boots one to two sizes bigger then I usually wear in street wear. Seems as others I fish with always have cold feet when I'm toasty warm.

[pathogen]

Mittens are warmer than gloves, but at the sacrifice of dexterity. Make sure your socks are not tight and boots either. A face mask is invaluable if you're going to be outside a shelter. Your head is a very efficient heat sink, and I read somewhere that you lose more heat through your head than any other way. Keep it covered!

[dsludge]

Dress in layers, not too tight. Shed layers before activities that get your blood pumping, don't wait until you start sweating. I always carry extra wool mittens, wool socks, and wool cap. Gotta keep dry!!!

dsludge